Jets CB Revis back at practice after sitting out

NEW YORK (AP) — All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis returned to practice with the New York Jets on Tuesday, despite not having a new contract in place.

Revis was back for the voluntary practice session in a good-faith gesture after sitting out last Thursday amid a contract dispute. He has only missed that practice this offseason, and was not fined because it was voluntary.

"It was good," said coach Rex Ryan, who was at Citi Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets' game against San Diego. "He made like three interceptions today, one of them it's not possible to make. It's always good to see him out there."

It was uncertain whether Revis would sit out additional practices. The Jets have one more organized team activity on Thursday, and their three-day mandatory minicamp begins Monday.

Agent Neil Schwartz declined comment to The Associated Press.

Revis wants to be the highest-paid player at his position, but was initially scheduled to make just $1 million in the fourth season of his six-year rookie deal. Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha is the highest-paid cornerback after signing a three-year, $45.3 million extension last offseason.

His six-year contract is set to void after this season, but the Jets can buy back the final two years, which would be worth $20 million guaranteed.

Revis has said he doesn't think his request is outrageous, considering he's coming off an outstanding season in which he routinely shut down opponents' top receivers. He also finished second to Green Bay's Charles Woodson for Defensive Player of the Year, an award Ryan repeatedly said Revis deserved.

Ryan, who was wearing a No. 30 Mets jersey — a throwback Nolan Ryan, he said — isn't too concerned about the situation.

"That's somebody else's job," Ryan said. "I just hope that it's going to work out for both sides, where both sides are happy. Obviously, Darrelle, everybody knows what I think of him. I think he's the best corner in football. You know it'd be a lot easier to win with him, let's just put it that way."

A few weeks ago, Revis said he discussed the matter with Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

"They believe I should be the highest-paid player at my position," Revis said on May 20. "They understand that, and I understand that. I don't think anybody would want to settle for less if they were in my situation right now. It's something that's going to get done. This is family to me. The Jets are family to me and I trust them and respect them, and I hope they would do the same."

Revis also said the team promised him it would take care of the contract by training camp in August.

"We remain committed to trying to get something done within reason that's good for Darrelle and good for the team," Tannenbaum said last week. "Hopefully he'll be here not only for the short-term, but the long-term."

In addition to Revis, Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold has asked for an extension, and linebacker David Harris and left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson are in line for long-term deals.

The Jets have made re-signing all four players a priority, and are believed to have even set aside room in their budget to do so. But, Tannenbaum maintains that the uncertainty of the collective bargaining agreement and salary cap are tough factors to navigate around when dealing with prospective long-term deals.

New York worked with a salary cap of about $128 million last year, but are reportedly operating at around $110 million this year. While there is no cap this season, many teams are trying to stay around their normal operating level to avoid possible penalties in case a cap is instituted next season. Still, the Jets are operating well below last year's level, despite needing to sign — and appease — key players.

Last week, Mangold wouldn't rule out sitting out practices in minicamp while looking for a new deal, although he said that wasn't in his immediate plans. Mangold, who has made two Pro Bowl appearances, is entering the final season of a five-year deal.

Harris is also entering the final year of his deal. Meanwhile, Ferguson, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, is signed through next season, but the final year is a $10 million option.

The Jets will also have to deal with several other key players who are playing for deals this season, including wide receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes, and cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

NOTES: Ryan, who routinely throws passes during practice, said he has never pitched a day in his life. His players didn't show much confidence when he asked them how many thought he would throw a strike. "Two hands went up," Ryan said. "I'm like, 'God, they've got a lot of confidence in me.'"